Private Duty Nursing

Description of Service:

RNs and LPNs provide skilled and non-skilled services for one patient over a pre-set period of time called a shift. The amount of hours provided depends on the needs of the patient, with a minimum of 4 hours. Services are usually provided in the private home. Skilled Services may include administration of IVs and other medicines, treatments such as nebulizer treatments for breathing problems and ventilator care and suctioning; performance of therapeutic exercises on a regular schedule as outlined by a licensed therapist; assessment of vital signs and body systems; bandage or dressing changes and wound assessment; gastric tube feedings; etc. Non-skilled services may include bathing and dressing; food preparation and feeding; cleaning of the patient's room and equipment; laundry; linen changes; etc.

Payment Methods:

Private Insurance, Medicaid Child Waiver, and Private Funds are used to purchase private duty nursing services.

Eligibility Requirements:

Medicaid Child Waiver private duty nursing must be pre-authorized by the Missouri Department of Health Bureau for Special Healthcare Needs Healthy Children and Youth Program. Medicaid Waiver will not purchase private duty nursing for patients while in the hospital. Private Insurance eligibility requirements vary by benefit package.

Private Duty Aide

Description of Service:

Nurses Aides provide non-skilled services for one patient over a pre-set period of time called a "shift". The hours approved depends on the needs of the patient. Services are provided in the private home. Non-skilled services may include bathing and dressing; food preparation and feeding; cleaning the patient's room and equipment; laundry; linen changes; etc.

Fees to Participant:

Hourly costs are contracted according to the specific needs of the individual and the duration of service to be provide.

Payment Methods:

Medicaid Child Waiver, some Private Insurance and Private Funds are used to purchase Private Duty Aide Services.

Eligibility Requirements:

Medicaid Child Waiver Private Duty Aide Service must be pre-authorized by the Missouri Department of Health Bureau for Special Healthcare Needs, Healthy Children and Youth (HCY) Program. Medicaid Waiver will not purchase Private Duty services for patients while in the hospital. Private Insurance eligibility requirements vary by benefit package and generally are used only in situations where doing so proves a cost savings to the insurance company by replacing more expensive hospital or nursing home care.

Description of Service:

Fees to Participant:

Flu vaccinations are billed to Medicare Part B for those who qualify or can be privately purchased for $30/person. There is no charge for other educational programs.

Payment Methods:

Private and Corporate Funds are used to purchase Flu vaccinations.

Eligibility Requirements:

Programs and clinics are scheduled on a first-call, first-serve basis as manpower and supplies allow.

Additional Notes:

The VNA Answer Nurse is heard on a local radio station each morning and there are longer responses to individual’s questions on this web site. Please contact Helen Sander, RNC at 1-800-286-5892 ext. 1606 to schedule a program designed especially for your group.

Private Duty Sitter

Description of Service:

Sitters provide adult and child supervision and assistance with normal activities of daily living in the private home for a pre-determined period of time while the primary caregiver is away or asleep. Assistance includes serving a meal that has been prepared or preparing simple foods for light meals or snacks, assistance with toileting, reminders to take medications and protection from falls or self-inflicted injuries.

Fees to Participant:

An hourly rate is contracted specific to the needs of the client.

Payment Methods:

Private Funds are used to purchase Private Duty Sitter Services.

Eligibility Requirements:

Any adult or child requiring non-skilled assistance and supervision when alone may benefit from a private sitter's care.

Additional Notes:

Private Sitter services are based on avaliablity of a sitter.